RIO DE JANEIRO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Gustavo Henrique and Jesse Lingard struck first-half goals as Brazil's Corinthians eased to a 2-0 home win over Uruguayan side Penarol in the Copa Libertadores group stage on Thursday.

Henrique opened the scoring by heading in after Rodrigo Garro's set piece and former Manchester United forward Lingard doubled the lead with a first-time finish after Yuri Alberto's cross.

Penarol controlled only 23 percent of possession and managed just two shots on goal as it fell to its second defeat of the tournament.

Corinthians leads Group E with nine points, three ahead of Argentina's Platense, while Penarol is third with one point.

"It was a special feeling to score here but the most important thing is the three points," Lingard told reporters, referring to his first goal at Arena Corinthians.

"The atmosphere was different. The fans are so passionate and they're behind the team - win, lose or draw. Having them turn up week in week out spurs us on to get the best out of ourselves," he added.

In other fixtures on Thursday, Independiente Medellin won 1-0 at home to Cusco, Bolivar secured a 2-0 home win over Fluminense, and Independiente Rivadavia cruised to a 4-1 home rout of Deportivo La Guaira. ■